Last summer Hibbert signed a four-year contract for $58 million, the maximum he could receive under the collective bargaining agreement, but at no time has he appeared more valuable to the Pacers than right now. He has proven to be the difference maker thus far in the Eastern Conference finals against the defending champion Heat, which shift here to Bankers Life Fieldhouse for Sunday night’s Game 3 tied at one game apiece.

Hibbert is averaging 24 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in the series after posting just 9.7 points and eight rebounds in three regular season games against Miami. In the Pacers’ 97-93 victory in Game 2 on Friday, Hibbert had 29 points and 10 rebounds and was on the floor when four-time league MVP LeBron James had two turnovers in the final minute.

“I feel like the team needs me to be out there to play, score, rebound, block shots,” Hibbert said. “I need to be out there as much as possible.”